The vibrant color of beets can’t be ignored. Whether they’re roasted, pickled, or raw, this root vegetable adds a pop of color and nutrition to any dish. But did you know that beets are also incredibly versatile? When it comes to cooking, we often think of roasting or boiling as the only options, but there’s another way: eating them raw! In fact, raw beets can be just as delicious and nutritious as their cooked counterparts.
In this article, we’re excited to share 20 vibrant raw beet recipes that showcase the beauty and flavor of this underrated ingredient. From salads and slaws to smoothies and dips, these recipes will inspire you to get creative with your cooking and add some serious nutritional punch to your meals. So let’s dive in and explore the world of raw beets!
Raw Beet and Carrot Salad with Lemon Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the natural sweetness of beets and carrots with a tangy lemon dressing, making it perfect for a light and healthy snack or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium raw beets
– 4 medium raw carrots
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Peel the beets and grate them using a box grater or food processor.
2. Peel the carrots and slice them into thin strips.
3. In a large bowl, combine the grated beets and sliced carrots.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil to make the dressing.
5. Pour the dressing over the beet and carrot mixture, and toss to coat.
6. Season with salt to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Spiralized Raw Beet Noodles with Avocado Pesto
This vibrant dish combines the natural sweetness of raw beets with the creaminess of avocado, all wrapped up in a pesto-packed package.
Ingredients:
– 2 large raw beets
– 1 ripe avocado
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Spiralize the beets into noodle-like strands.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, basil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Toss the raw beet noodles with the avocado pesto until well coated.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (plus spiralizing time)
Raw Beet and Apple Slaw with Walnuts
This refreshing slaw combines the natural sweetness of beets and apples with the crunch of walnuts, perfect for a healthy side dish or topping.
Ingredients:
– 2 large raw beets, peeled and grated
– 1 large apple, peeled and grated
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the grated beets, apple, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the beet mixture and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top and toss again to distribute evenly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This slaw is raw, so no cooking required.
Raw Beet Hummus with Tahini and Garlic
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of raw beets with the creamy richness of tahini, all blended together with a punch of garlic. Perfect for a healthy snack or as a dip for your favorite veggies.
Ingredients:
– 2 large raw beets
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Peel the raw beets and cut them into small pieces.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the beets, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth.
3. With the blender or food processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil and water.
4. Continue blending for another minute or until the hummus reaches your desired consistency.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is raw and ready to enjoy.
Raw Beet and Citrus Salad with Mint
This refreshing salad combines the earthy sweetness of raw beets with the brightness of citrus and the freshness of mint, perfect for a light and healthy snack or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 large raw beets
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Peel the beets using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife, then slice into thin strips.
2. In a large bowl, combine the beet strips, orange juice, and chopped mint leaves.
3. Add the sliced red onion and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with additional mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is raw and ready in just a few minutes.
Raw Beet and Goat Cheese Tartare
This vibrant and flavorful tartare combines the natural sweetness of raw beets with the creamy tanginess of goat cheese, perfect for a light and refreshing appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 large raw beets, peeled and grated
– 1/4 cup goat cheese crumbles
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the grated beets, goat cheese crumbles, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Just before serving, garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired.
5. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: None! This tartare is served raw.
Raw Beet and Quinoa Salad with Herbs
This refreshing salad combines the earthy sweetness of raw beets with the nutty flavor of quinoa, all tied together with a medley of fresh herbs. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 large raw beets, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced beets and cooked quinoa.
2. Add the chopped parsley and mint, stirring gently to combine.
3. Squeeze the lemon juice over the salad and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (all ingredients are raw)
Raw Beet Gazpacho with Cucumber and Dill
Beat the heat with this refreshing raw beet gazpacho, infused with the sweetness of cucumber and the brightness of dill. This vibrant soup is perfect for hot summer days when you need something light and revitalizing.
Ingredients:
– 2 large beets
– 1 large cucumber
– 1/4 cup fresh dill
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Peel the beets and grate them using a box grater or food processor.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the grated beets, cucumber, garlic, dill, olive oil, and lemon juice.
3. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This raw gazpacho is ready in just a few minutes.
Raw Beet and Mango Salsa
Discover a sweet and tangy twist on traditional salsas with this refreshing combination of raw beets, juicy mango, and crunchy cilantro. This vibrant condiment is perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or veggies.
Ingredients:
– 2 large raw beets, peeled and grated
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the grated beets, diced mango, chopped cilantro, and chopped jalapeño.
2. Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and toss to coat.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (raw ingredients)
Raw Beet and Coconut Smoothie Bowl
Boost your energy levels with this vibrant and refreshing smoothie bowl, packed with the sweetness of beets and the creaminess of coconut. This recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures to start your day or fuel up for a workout.
Ingredients:
– 2 large raw beets
– 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 1/2 banana, sliced
– 1 tablespoon chia seeds
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– Pinch of salt
– Optional toppings: granola, fresh mint leaves, and sliced almonds
Instructions:
1. Peel the beets and add them to a blender with the pineapple, coconut, banana, chia seeds, and almond milk.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the mixture into a bowl and sprinkle with salt.
4. Top with your desired toppings, such as granola, fresh mint leaves, or sliced almonds.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is raw and ready to enjoy.
Raw Beet and Fennel Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
Raw Beet and Fennel Salad with Orange Vinaigrette: A refreshing and flavorful salad that combines the natural sweetness of beets and fennel with the tanginess of orange vinaigrette.
Ingredients:
– 2 large raw beets, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 bulb of fresh fennel, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced beets and fennel.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice and olive oil until well combined.
3. Pour the vinaigrette over the beet and fennel mixture, tossing gently to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is served raw and ready in just a few minutes.
Raw Beet and Cashew Cheese Wraps
Experience the sweet and earthy flavor combination of raw beets and cashew cheese wrapped in a crispy collard green leaf.
Ingredients:
– 2 large raw beets, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 cup soaked and drained cashews
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 4 collard green leaves
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine cashews, water, lemon juice, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cashew cheese on each collard green leaf.
3. Arrange sliced raw beets on top of the cheese.
4. Fold the leaves to enclose the filling, forming a neat package.
5. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is entirely plant-based and raw.
Raw Beet and Ginger Detox Juice
Reboot your body with this vibrant juice, packed with natural detoxifiers and anti-inflammatory compounds. This refreshing blend will leave you feeling light, energized, and ready to take on the day!
Ingredients:
– 2 raw beets
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
1. Peel the beets and cut them into small pieces.
2. Add the beet pieces, ginger, lemon juice, and water to a juicer or blender.
3. Juice or blend according to manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any pulp or fibers.
Time: 15 minutes
Tips:
– Enjoy this detoxifying juice as a morning pick-me-up or post-workout treat.
– Adjust the amount of ginger to your taste, depending on how spicy you like it!
– Store leftover juice in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Raw Beet and Pomegranate Salad
Experience the sweet and earthy combination of raw beets and pomegranate in this refreshing salad, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 large raw beets, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 cup arugula leaves
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced beets and arugula leaves.
2. Top with chopped fresh mint leaves.
3. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds over the salad.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
5. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This is a raw salad, so simply assemble and serve.
Raw Beet and Chickpea Salad with Cumin
This refreshing salad combines the earthy sweetness of raw beets with the creamy texture of chickpeas, all tied together with a hint of warm cumin. Perfect for a light and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 large raw beets, peeled and grated
– 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the grated beets and chickpeas.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil.
3. Add the cumin and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Pour the dressing over the beet-chickpea mixture and toss to combine.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep time only)
Raw Beet and Pear Salad with Balsamic Glaze
This refreshing salad combines the natural sweetness of pears with the earthy flavor of raw beets, all tied together with a tangy balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 large raw beets
– 1 ripe pear (such as Bartlett or Anjou)
– 1/4 cup mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
– 1 tsp. honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Peel the beets and slice into thin strips.
2. Cut the pear into wedges.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and honey until well combined.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, beet strips, and pear wedges.
5. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad and toss to coat.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is raw and ready in under 10 minutes.
Raw Beet and Turmeric Energy Bites
These no-bake energy balls are a perfect blend of sweet and savory, packed with nutritious ingredients to keep you going throughout the day. With the natural sweetness of beets and the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, these bites are a delicious way to boost your energy levels.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium raw beets
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup almond butter
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Peel the beets and blend them in a food processor until smooth.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the processed beets, oats, almond butter, honey, turmeric, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Place the energy bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: None! These no-bake bites are ready in just a few minutes.
Raw Beet and Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the natural sweetness of raw beets with the earthy flavor of kale, all tied together by a creamy tahini dressing. Perfect for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium beets
– 4 cups curly kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Peel the beets and grate them using a box grater or food processor.
2. In a large bowl, combine the kale and grated beets.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, and garlic until smooth.
4. Pour the dressing over the beet-kale mixture and toss to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is served raw.
Raw Beet and Watermelon Refresher
Beat the heat with this refreshing summer drink, combining the natural sweetness of watermelon with the earthy flavor of raw beets.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized beets
– 3 cups cubed watermelon (rind removed)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup sparkling water
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Peel the beets and grate them using a box grater or food processor.
2. In a blender, combine the grated beets, cubed watermelon, and lime juice. Blend until smooth.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl to remove any excess pulp.
4. Add the sparkling water and stir gently.
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. Serve the refresher over ice cubes, garnished with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing drink is raw and ready to enjoy.
Raw Beet and Almond Butter Dip
Elevate your snack game with this vibrant and delicious raw beet dip, perfectly balanced by the nutty flavor of almond butter.
Ingredients:
– 2 large raw beets
– 1/4 cup unsalted almond butter
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Peel and grate the raw beets using a box grater or food processor.
2. In a blender, combine the grated beets, almond butter, lemon juice, and salt. Blend until smooth.
3. Add the water and blend until the desired consistency is reached (thicker for dipping, thinner for spreading).
4. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped fresh herbs or edible flowers, if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep time only)
Summary
Discover the vibrant world of raw beets with these 20 nutritious recipes! From classic salads to creative dips and drinks, get inspired by the natural sweetness and earthy flavor of this superfood. Enjoy spiralized noodles with avocado pesto, a refreshing slaw with walnuts, or a creamy hummus with tahini and garlic. Try your hand at tartare with goat cheese, gazpacho with cucumber and dill, or energy bites with turmeric. These innovative recipes showcase the versatility of raw beets in both sweet and savory dishes. Get ready to unleash your creativity and indulge in the health benefits of this nutritional powerhouse!